Full Sun Evergreen Native Trees That Prefer Dry Soil

Dec 16, 2011
Tina Samuels

Desert Ironwood - Rufous-crowned Sparrow

These choices, from the Native Plant Information Network, are all evergreen trees that are native to the U.S. They are all good for both full sun and dry so

For those who live in the Southwest or other parts of the country where the land is dry and the sun is hot, finding good trees that can take that sort of climate can be a problem. Some need moist soils to combat the full sun lighting conditions, others may need supplemental watering just to keep from going into shock. However, there are some trees that are fine with both full sun lighting and dry soil conditions. These choices, from the Native Plant Information Network, are all evergreen trees that are native to the U.S. They are all good for both full sun and dry soil.

Arizona Cypress Cupressus Arizonica

This native tree is a member of the cypress family of plants. It grows 30 to 40 feet high and 15 to 20 feet wide in a pyramid form. Pale gray-green or blue-green leaves are evergreen and scale-like. It has a conical crown. It prefers to grow in full sun with a dry soil. It is drought and cold tolerant. Propagate by seed or by cuttings.

Desert Ironwood Olneya Tesota

Also known as Tesota or Palo de hierro, this native tree is a member of the pea family of plants. It grows up to 30 feet high with a dense round crown and a short trunk. Leaves are evergreen and covered in hair that is gray-white. Bark is scaling. Flowers are purple and like pea flowers, blooming in late spring. Desert Ironwood prefers to grow in full sun with a dry rocky soil. Propagate by seed.

Mexican Pinyon Pinus Cembroides

Also known as the Mexican pinyon pine, this native is a member of the pine family of plants. It grows 15 to 30 feet tall with evergreen blue-green needles. There is a round compact growth with a short trunk. Seeds are edible but have a thick wall. Mexican pinyon prefers to grow in full sun with a dry rocky soil. Propagate by seed.

Beach Pine Pinus contorta

Also known as the lodgepole pine, this too is a member of the pine family of plants. It grows up to 20 to 30 fet high with dark green needles and a crooked form. Red-brown bark is scaly and there are small cones on the tree. It grows with a conical crown. Beach pine prefers to grow in full sun with a dry rocky soil. Propagate by seed.

Sources:

Native Plant Information Network